Thinset For Marble Backsplash

Sand the backsplash wall with 80 grit sandpaper.

Thinset for marble backsplash.

Thinset is the only product that i recommend be used in showers bathrooms and even floors. For the professional tile contractor and the do it yourself consumer alike the temptation to use mastic instead of thinset for back splash tile installation is appealing. Choose a thinset type according to the tile thickness. Both thinset and tile mastic will adhere better to a roughened surface.

What type of thinset to use when installing marble tile step 1. Thinset typically comes in two colors. How to install backspash tile. Let the mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes then mix it again without adding more water.

Apply the mastic or thinset mortar. To prepare powdered thin set mortar for natural stone and mosaic tile fill your bucket with water in the amount listed on the package. Another advantage of thinset is that it allows you to level uneven surfaces to some degree. Examine the tiles for thickness and color.

Orbital sander or sandpaper razor blade or scissors v notched trowel wooden stir stick spirit level tape measure wet tile saw dust mask and eye protection soft cotton rags and paper towels vacuum cleaner or tack cloth grouting sponge pencil acrylic caulk and caulking gun. Most marble tiles are between 3 8 and inch thick. Thinset is much harder to work with especially on vertical and overhead surfaces because it s not as sticky as mastic. When you re finished mixing you ll have a limited time to use it.

Bailey founder and principal designer of prudence home design in this kitchen she used 4x8 subway tiles to give the illusion of a bigger space and then added 1x3 carrara marble tiles in a herringbone pattern for the backsplash. You should decide on your grout color prior to tiling. It s so fun to mix tile of different textures and sizes in a kitchen as it gives the room much more visual depth says prudence c. Gradually add the thin set powder mixing it thoroughly.

Wipe away the sanding dust with a. If you re working in a bathroom it is wise to go with thinset as it doesn t allow for mold growth and isn t susceptible to water damage whereas mastic is. Ultimately mastic and thinset each come with different considerations when embarking on a backsplash project. Because it is cementitious thinset is dimensionally stable it will not shrink or contract.

For the do it yourself consumers who have never worked with thin set the appeal of mastic is all the more attractive. If you want light grout use white thinset. White and dark gray. If you use dark grout use gray.

Thinset is also heatproof so it will not lose its grip in hot environments.